6.06.2017

Creative Sabbatical (An Extended Break)

Today's blog post is a big change from what I usually publish. This may be the first...or second time I've created a blog with my entire family. I thought I'd take this time to introduce you to my biggest cheerleaders - my sons and my husband. Why am I sharing during this particular time? Well, for one, this is my blogs 5 year anniversary, and I want you to meet the men in my life. They are the wind beneath my wings.

When I first began my blog, the Youngest was my photographer, which would have put him at the tender age of 10 (he's now 15). However, like most at that tender age, he grew bored of photographing his Mom, and therefore handed the camera over to his Dad. The Hubs is very serious about his photography. What first began as a way to appease his wife has grown into a part-time hobby. The Oldest is the fellow artist in the family. We sit and chat for hours on the phone discussing life as a creative (he's home from school for the summer). He's also the one who first suggested I write a book; hence the birth of my first book, A Place Called Peace. In addition, they're all my security blankets when I have public speaking engagements. You have no idea how comforting it is for me to look out into the audience to see their faces. They have been very supportive, and I'm extremely grateful.

On another note, and my second reason for sharing this unique post - After five years of growing and developing my blog and brand, lately I've been feeling a bit like a hamster on that proverbial wheel. The world of writing, blogging, social media, etc., isn't easy, especially when it is done as a profession, and not a hobby; as mine is. With any entrepreneurial endeavor, my world is met with disappointments and triumphs; times of overflowing creativity, and times of stagnation; times of feeling on top of the world, and times of feeling unsubstantial.

In order for me to feel as if I'm not riding on that wheel, I am heeding the advice from my family and taking a creative sabbatical. Am I bored with writing about fashion and style? Heck No! Am I going to miss the interaction with all of you? Absolutely! However, in spite of my responses, I am currently in a space of frustration. I have always shared my vulnerabilities with you, as I am not one to pretend that life is all roses and butterflies. It is not perfect, but it is a life I have created for myself, and one that hope will continue to flourish.

With that being said, I hope you all will remain with me in the So What to Twenty community. At this point, I am giving myself a month (it may be more) to bathe myself in a waterfall of creativity. I have already begun my time. It began last Saturday when my family whisked me away for an afternoon at my favorite museum - the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. The images below are from our day. I hope you enjoy them 💛

For my relaxed family day at the Getty Villa, I chose a super comfortable dress by the creators of zen-inspired lounge wear - Lou & Grey. Like many, I was first introduced to their cozy pieces via shopping excursions to Loft. However now, independent Lou & Grey locations have been lightly peppered in certain locations in the United States. I'm fortunate enough to have a couple of the brick and mortars in my region. I enjoy their clothing, and visiting the store is very therapeutic. I liken my jaunts to Lou & Grey as feeling like I've been treated to a massage. I recently picked up two dresses when I had my last massage visit - the Folktale Ruffle Dress (click link), and the one I'm wearing in this post.

Under the grape trellis. Reminded of the grapes that grew in my childhood backyard.

Relaxing near the mosaic Medusa Fountain

Never a dull moment with these two.

I'm not looking at myself in a mirror. I was filming my sons.

Another view of the Getty Villa museum

Pucker up

Making sure the selfie-stick is working.

The Youngest and the Hubs are alike (Can you tell?). The Oldest and I have the same chill vibe.

In the meantime, I will still post on occasion on Instagram just because I really enjoy Instagram as a way to catalog things that inspire me. If you're not already following me on Instagram, click glendakharrison. I may not be a vocal as I have been, but please know, if you choose to communicate with me - I see you.

Stay True,

Glenda

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10 comments:

We all need to step back every now and then and let those creative juices percolate and bubble up a little bit more and I know you will still be "around". So happy you know what you need to do for yourself in order to continue to love the life you are living. Self awareness is so important. We will all be right here waiting for you when you come back to So What to Twenty! See you on Instagram!

Oh no! I don't always comment but I always read and will miss seeing your face (and clothes). I do understand the need to recharge. Have fun and come back to us refreshed and recharged! Thanks for being you

Congrats on five years!! Wow!! Sooo impressed. But i sure get your exhaustion. Do take a break. Breathe. Refill your well. You've earned a vacation. But after you've rested and before you get back on that hamster wheel, might I make a suggestion? It could be enlightening to make a couple phone calls and talk to some of your core audience. (I include myself in that category.) Find out why we look forward to your posts. In talking with us, you may discover a way forward that you didn't expect. Because you have even more in you - so much more! - and we are eager to read all about it.

Glenda, you are singing my song! You really explained so well the up and down feelings of being a blogger. Sustaining it all is a roller coaster. I will miss seeing your chic looks, but I hope you will come back refreshed and over flowing with creativity. In the meantime, enjoy your much deserved break. XO

A well earned time off. How good to have such overwhelming support and actual help from the family. That is a blessing and how wonderful and dear they are.Life, love, and work ebbs and flows. Go with it. rest and get recharged.We will all be here when you do.Loved the pucker up face, i am doing it back but you will have to imagine itxx, Ellehttp://www.theellediaries.com

Thank you for taking the time to comment, it really means a great deal for me to connect with my So What to Twenty friends. I hope you subscribed via email or by social media - I wouldn't want you to miss anything on our True Style journey. Stay True, Glenda